6 Bars in Manhattan and Brooklyn Open on Thanksgiving

Whether your Thanksgiving is an easygoing Friendsgiving sort of affair, or one riddled with family drama, the holidays always go a litlte better with drinks. For your convenience, here's a rundown of what's open on Thanksgiving. You know, in case you need a little nip.

Brooklyn Ale House: Opening up at 9 p.m., just in time for post-dinner, this Williamsurg dive is a friendly home away from home. 16 beers on draft, a pool table and a dart board should offer enough diversion from the horrors of turkey-cooking. (103 Berry St, Brooklyn, 718-302-9811)

Brandy's Piano Bar: This Upper East Side sing-along destination with live music will be opening up around 8 p.m. Two drinks counts as cover to get in, just enough to get you singing. (235 E 84th St, 212-744-4949)

The Dead Poet: If you're ever in need of a place to head in the Upper West Side, The Dead Poet is open "regular hours, 365." With a menu of solid pub grub, this Irish pub with a literary bent can cover drinks and dinner. (450 Amsterdam Ave #1, 212-595-5670)

Freddy's Bar:The sprawling and always entertaining Freddy's will be open from 3 p.m. until close. Cozy up for a drink or meet a crowd and toast your New York family. (627 5th Ave., Brooklyn, 718-768-0131)

Nitehawk: Thanksgiving is a perfect movie night. After you've stuffed yourself and are looking for some entertainment, just sitting with a cold drink and screen is ideal. Spike Lee's Old Boy remake, Kill Your Darlings and Blue is the Warmest Color are all playing with food and drink specials to match. (136 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, 718-384-3980)